Private nasal blockage surgery, by a consultant ENT surgeon.
A proper diagnosis first - then the operation that matches the cause. Septoplasty, turbinate reduction, polypectomy, FESS, balloon sinuplasty or nasal valve repair, done by a named rhinologist in a proper theatre.
Indicative pricing
What private nasal blockage surgery costs in the UK.
Indicative ranges across UK private providers.
In short
£3,000–£5,000, home the same day.
| Procedure | Indicative range | Typical duration | Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Septoplasty (deviated septum) | £3,000–£5,000 | 45–60 min GA | Day case |
| Turbinate reduction (submucosal / RF) | £2,000–£4,000 | 30–45 min | Day case |
| Nasal polypectomy | £3,000–£5,000 | 45–60 min GA | Day case |
| Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) | £5,000–£9,000 | 60–120 min GA | Day case / 1 night |
| Balloon sinuplasty (BSP) | £3,000–£5,000 | 30–60 min | Day case |
| Septorhinoplasty (functional + cosmetic) | £6,000–£12,000 | 2–3 h GA | 1 night |
| Nasal valve repair (spreader / batten / Latera) | £4,000–£8,000 | 60–90 min GA | Day case |
| ENT consultation with nasoendoscopy | £250–£450 | 30–45 min | Same visit |
NHS treatment is funded per ENT UK - GP referral, typical wait 6–18 months. Private prices vary by clinic, by which ENT surgeon does the case, and by whether extra work (turbinate, valve, sinus) is added on the day.
The problem
The right diagnosis, the right procedure, the right surgeon.
A blocked nose is not one condition. Booked to a septoplasty when the real problem is polyps or valve collapse, patients end up with an operation that does not fix the breathing.
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Not sure surgery is needed?
A proper 3–6 month medical trial - steroid spray, saline rinses, allergy treatment - settles a large share of blocked noses. We say so before you agree to an operation.
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Which operation?
Septoplasty, turbinate reduction, FESS, valve repair - each fixes a different problem. Nasoendoscopy and (if needed) a CT sinuses decide.
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Want it done properly?
A named consultant ENT with a rhinology or facial-plastics interest, turbinate-preserving technique, and saline rinses from day one.
When it helps
The underlying causes we operate on.
A blocked nose is a symptom, not a diagnosis. These are the causes we see most, plus the one red flag that means an urgent ENT review rather than a routine appointment.
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Deviated nasal septum
The commonest structural cause of one-sided blockage. Corrected with a septoplasty via the nostril - no external scar.
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Turbinate hypertrophy
Enlarged inferior turbinates from allergy or chronic rhinitis. Reduced submucosally (radiofrequency or Celon), preserving function.
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Nasal polyps
Grape-like swellings blocking the airway and smell. Removed endoscopically, often with FESS, and controlled long-term with steroid spray.
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Chronic rhinosinusitis
Recurrent sinus infection, facial pressure and blockage that has not settled on medical treatment - treated with FESS or balloon sinuplasty.
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Nasal valve collapse
The nostril sidewall falls in on breathing in. Fixed with spreader grafts, alar batten grafts or a Latera absorbable implant.
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Post-traumatic obstruction
A crooked nose after an old injury blocking one or both sides - usually a septorhinoplasty that corrects airway and appearance together.
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Septal perforation or concha bullosa
A hole in the septum or a pneumatised middle turbinate causing crusting, whistling or blockage - repaired or reduced endoscopically.
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Red flag: one-sided blockage with bleeding
Persistent one-sided blockage with bloody discharge, facial numbness or a visible mass needs urgent ENT review to rule out a tumour.
Procedure options
One symptom, several operations.
What each operation on the table actually involves - and which fits which cause of obstruction.
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Septoplasty
Straightens a deviated nasal septum through the nostril. Day case under GA. The workhorse operation for one-sided blockage.
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Turbinate reduction
Shrinks enlarged inferior turbinates submucosally with radiofrequency or Celon - preserving the mucosa and avoiding empty nose syndrome.
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Polypectomy ± FESS
Endoscopic removal of nasal polyps, often combined with functional endoscopic sinus surgery to open the sinuses.
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FESS (endoscopic sinus surgery)
Camera-guided surgery that opens the natural drainage pathways of the sinuses for chronic rhinosinusitis.
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Balloon sinuplasty
A small balloon widens the sinus opening without tissue removal. Suits selected chronic sinusitis and shorter recovery.
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Nasal valve repair
Spreader grafts, alar batten grafts, a Latera absorbable implant or LVIS surgery to hold the collapsing nostril sidewall open.
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Septorhinoplasty
Combined functional and cosmetic surgery for a crooked, post-traumatic or aesthetically bothersome nose that also blocks.
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Septal perforation repair
Endonasal or open repair of a hole in the septum with a graft, for crusting, whistling or blockage.
Safety and recovery
What to expect afterwards - honestly.
Nasal airway surgery is common and safe when done well. The things worth planning are the medical trial first, the saline rinse routine, and knowing what is normal after.
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Medical treatment first
A 3–6 month trial of intranasal steroid, saline rinses and allergy treatment is the honest first step. Many patients settle without ever needing an operation.
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Bleeding is usually minor
Modern nasal surgery rarely packs the nose. Some bloody discharge for a week is normal - heavy bleeding is uncommon and the team is prepared.
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Saline irrigation post-op is essential
Large-volume saline rinses from day one keep crusts down, speed healing and reduce infection. This is the single most important thing you do at home.
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Empty nose syndrome is a real risk
Over-aggressive turbinectomy can leave the nose paradoxically dry and blocked-feeling for life. We only use turbinate-preserving techniques.
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Adhesions can form
Scar bands between septum and turbinate happen in a small number of cases. Follow-up review at 4–6 weeks catches these early.
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Smell may change transiently
A dulled sense of smell for a few weeks after polyp or sinus surgery is common. Permanent loss is rare with modern technique.
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Rare serious risks
CSF leak and orbital injury are rare complications of higher sinus surgery - a fellowship-trained rhinologist and CT planning minimise the risk.
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No strenuous exercise for 2–4 weeks
Walking is fine from day one. Cycling, running, the gym and blowing the nose wait a fortnight to a month to protect the healing tissue.
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Red flags
Heavy bleeding, sudden clear watery discharge, fever, spreading facial swelling or visual change after surgery need same-day medical attention.
Reading your operation note
Your operation note in four parts. Read the last one first.
Whichever operation was done, the note the ENT surgeon sends you keeps to the same shape.
A quiet reminder
Surgical language is precise and can read coldly - ask your care team to explain anything that is unclear.
Ask your care team to explain anything that is unclear.
- 01 Header
Diagnosis and procedure performed
Why the operation was done - deviated septum, polyps, valve collapse, chronic sinusitis - and which procedure was agreed with you.
- 02 Technique
Anaesthetic and surgical technique
Whether it was done under GA, the approach (endonasal, endoscopic or external), and any grafts or implants used.
- 03 Findings
Intra-operative findings
What was seen inside the nose and sinuses, tissue sent for histology if polyps or masses, and any incidental findings.
- 04 Impression
Recovery, saline plan, review timing
Read this first: expected recovery, when to start saline rinses, when it is safe to return to sport, and when you will be reviewed.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Cover for nasal blockage surgery varies by insurer and by procedure - usually funded when medically indicated for obstruction or sinus disease, self-pay for combined cosmetic septorhinoplasty.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about surgery for a blocked nose.
Quick answers on cost, recovery, medical treatment first, and which operation fits which cause.
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What causes a persistently blocked nose in adults?
Most often a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates from allergy, nasal polyps, chronic rhinosinusitis, nasal valve collapse or, after an old injury, a crooked nose. A proper ENT assessment with flexible nasoendoscopy identifies which one applies.
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Do I need surgery, or will sprays and rinses fix it?
A 3–6 month trial of intranasal steroid spray, large-volume saline rinses and allergy treatment settles a large proportion of blocked noses without surgery. Structural problems like a very deviated septum, valve collapse or big polyps usually need an operation eventually.
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How much does private nasal blockage surgery cost in the UK?
Roughly £3,000–£5,000 for a septoplasty or polypectomy, £2,000–£4,000 for turbinate reduction, £5,000–£9,000 for FESS, £3,000–£5,000 for balloon sinuplasty and £6,000–£12,000 for a septorhinoplasty.
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Is nasal blockage surgery painful?
During the procedure you feel nothing - most nasal airway surgery is done under general anaesthetic. Afterwards it is more about congestion, headache and dryness than sharp pain. Simple painkillers are usually enough.
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Will my nose be packed after surgery?
Modern nasal surgery rarely uses traditional packing. Dissolvable splints or small internal dressings may be placed for a few days. Saline rinses from day one keep the airway clear.
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How long is the recovery?
Most people return to office work in 5–10 days. Bruising and congestion settle over 2–3 weeks. No strenuous exercise, cycling or nose-blowing for 2–4 weeks. Final airway improvement is judged at 6–12 weeks.
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What is empty nose syndrome?
A rare, chronic complication of over-aggressive turbinate removal where the nose feels paradoxically dry and blocked despite being wide open. It is avoided by using submucosal turbinate reduction rather than resecting the turbinate.
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Can nasal surgery change how my nose looks?
A septoplasty done through the nostril does not change the external shape. A septorhinoplasty is deliberately combined functional and cosmetic surgery. Isolated nasal valve repair with grafts can give a subtle change to nostril shape - this is discussed beforehand.
Related treatments
Looking for something else?
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Nasal septum surgery
Septoplasty for a deviated septum.
Learn more -
Nasal polypectomy
Endoscopic removal of nasal polyps.
Learn more -
Nasal septum cauterisation
For recurrent nosebleeds from the septum.
Learn more -
Minimally-invasive Celon ENT treatments
Radiofrequency turbinate reduction and more.
Learn more